Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1887-11-25
surprised. They were sailors from an

English bark which had put in on the
opposite side of the island. in quest OF
fresh water, and they had been aston
ished 10 find bunch Of crimson holly
hook living by the little mountain spring
where they went To fill their casks
"IIow came these nothern flowers in
this southern clime?" they asked, and
curiosity led them TO explore further;
but they were completely taken aback
at sight Of the quaint old-fashioned
man. who welcomed them with such
emotion.
So it was 'Mercy's flowers brought
YOU 10 mer' he exclaimed. and then he
led the way to his little hut. gave them
of his best, and told the tale of tho fate
of the Sea Gull, aud of his lonely life,
but with dog for company. for what
on comparing records he found to
be ten long, wear, years. lien years
IA whole dccade!" sobbed Peter, land
little Reuben must be most a man by
thisl'
There. there, my hearty" cried one
of the sailors, don't be down in the
mouth now. Wen take YOU with Us.
and the good bark Pandora will carry
We safe this time. | warrant; though it
does seem a pity to leave the snug
harbor you We made for yourself here. ~
AYE, aye. mate, but home and
Mercy are best after al
So. though he did feel pang Mt
leaving his pet plants and flowers, the
old carpenter babe willing farewell
10 his island home.
II was the fcstal season Of the year in
L . a
holiday. Thanksgiving, was at hand
But in one cottage the general rejoicing
seemed lacking. and a woman,
in W dow's cap looked anX-
ious and carcworn a she glanced from
her knitting to the face of Young lad
reclining on 10 curtained bed.
III / can but finish this stocking to-
night. Reuben shall have chicken at
least for dinner 20 morrow, she muir
INJURED: "for it took all his month ;
earnings to pay the rent. oor hoy! |
am glad ne is asleep. His arm may be
less painful when he wakes. At that
moment the sleeper stirred and opened
his ewes.
How are You. dear?"
Better. much better but now, mother,
put mp that ever ast.ug knitting and
talk 10 NE awhile
Il cant. son. or minus a Ihank,giv
inc dinner VIII We Ice tomorrow and
clicked her noodles hri>kly. But
have not yet heard. Reuben. how You
spra ned your arm Is it true that YOU
were fighting in the street
ives, mother, but don't find fault
until you hear how it happened. was
coming home rom the mill when
Sped a party of boys teasing and max
iug fun of an old man. Such queer
looking Old chap as he was. with long
hair and the most outlandish coat.
thought 1t mean in the fellows, so took
the old covc's part. Fhat brought en-
down ON me. and Jake Jackson gave
my arm such twist that it made me
cry out; bat got Mr.. Rip Van Wrinkle
away. and safe down to the hotel. He
woke mp then. and seemed a real Jolly
cd gentleman after all; asked my name
and where lived. and showed me bic
blacA dog shut up in his room. which
he said once saved his life. | took quite
liking to him, and | ann glad did
not ct those young roughs tear his coat
off as they tried to do"
81 am glad. too said the mother
taking the boys hand aifectionately
Always protect the helpless, Reuben
Put now 90 to sleep a1ain, and be-
bright and brisk for Thanks givinC, ever
though il promises To be the poorest
we have ever known in all the clever
years since your father left Us.
Blu not until the blue sock was com
plete did the woman seek her pillow
and on her way 10 church the mex
morning the small fowl was bought thai
was to be their Thanksgiving dinner.
1T would not be so bad if we had but
pie to 90 with il. said Reuben
1--WE must be thankful for what We
have 81 d his mother. though, "a she
listened to his fresh Young voice singing
the song e "Haryc>t Home, sh,
longed To give him the best the worlo
affords
he humble liz le dinner was, howev.
or. eaten with good appetite, and
Reuben had Just cleared his plate for
the second time when "A loud knocking
summoned him 10 She door.
Hello what this?' he exclaimed.
and he returned bringing a large pie.
which be set in triumph on The table.
"See, mother. what found on the
doorstep Begging for Abundance
Mrs. Halliday must have sent It.
- hen three cheers for Mrs. Halli
day. and Reuben plunged knife into
the rich locking pastry But with a
cry OF mingled .oy and terror he sud
denly paused. be over and then lift
ing the crust, disclosed to Mrs. Prim-
rises astonished gaze the entire pie
filled with gold and silver coins.
"Where where could it have come
from?' she gasped while Reuben )
eyes grew large and bright with e cite
ment.
Iron the South Pacific. Mercy
said a voice behind them, and turning
with a half suppressed scream. Mrs
Primrose was cla,ped in her husband ;
arms.
Oh, what Thanksgiving it was. Aud
how Reuben heart danced with Joy
when the stranger said: You little
thought, my boy. that in coming to
assist a poor old man you were protect
ing your own father. | suppose | do
l.. 1